A Silver Lining

"Now that they have left, it's time to begin the main announcement."

Conrad's voice boomed in the ears of the remaining nine students who remained in the open field.

Rey and his eight other classmates looked attentively at the man before them; waiting for what he desired to say.

Even though it seemed like he was paying rapt attention, Rey's thoughts had still not left the boy called Adrien Chase.

Flashes of the same scene—where he turned back and smiled at him—kept appearing in his head.

Frustration dug deep into his chest, but he could do nothing but remain in his position.

He could do nothing at all.

"… Having an Expedition into the Royal Dungeon very soon."

The words from Conrad woke him from his reverie.

'A-ah...!'

"I know most of you are anxious and worried. I don't blame you, considering what happened the last time." As Conrad said this, he appeared a little uncomfortable.

Valuable Knights and Mages had died, so it wasn't an easy thing for the United Human Alliance to suggest returning to the Dungeon.

However, it had to be done.

"The Ecosystem has been changed, and the Monsters inside are running rampant. If we don't take care of it soon, it could lead to a catastrophe."

Rey knew exactly what he was talking about, as he had read about it in more than one or two books since he began learning of this new world.

'Monster Evolution!'

When Monsters of a certain kind consumed other Monsters in other kinds—specifically their Monster Cores—they grew unnaturally stronger and developed special characteristics.

The level of change, and it's overall quality, depended on compatibility.

'I was considering checking out how far the Hobgoblins could go, but my plans were cut short by that Dragon…'

"It is possible for Monsters to go through Evolution if they consume Cores from other kinds of Monsters, which is why we are constantly grateful that the Dungeon Floors are designed in such a way that prevents Monsters from various Floors from mixing with one another."

But now, thanks to the Dragon, all of that had changed.

'Lower Floor Monsters will rise to the surface, and the stronger Monsters will consume the weaker ones, leading to more Evolution.'

If the situation wasn't curbed quickly, there was a chance that an Invincible Monster could be born.

'It is trite that Monsters have weaknesses. But, if a Monster evolves by consuming several other creatures that compensate for that weakness, it becomes an ultimate being.'

In essence… unstoppable!

Rey could feel his heart race as he heard Conrad explain more about the situation.

The issue of the Mastermind still bothered him to no end, but he decided to place that at the back of his mind and focus on the information he was currently receiving.

"Sir Ralyks—the Dark Adventurer who saved our city from destruction—has assured me that he will guard all of you in your Expedition, and he assured me that no harm would come to you.'

Rey could see the tense expressions of most of the students now softening.

There was no one around who didn't know the name 'Ralyks.'

He was practically a celebrity.

'Dragons are considered the apex beings of this world, so since Ralyks was able to defeat one, everyone is assured of their safety. At least, to an extent…'

Rey felt weird referring to himself—or, at least, his alter-ego—in such a way, but he had no other way of addressing it.

'Ralyks' was separate from 'Rey' as far as he was concerned.

"By clearing the Dungeon with his aid, you'll be able to get much stronger than before. Perhaps once that is settled, you can finally leave the Capital and begin your true adventures."

Rey had a wry smile as soon as he heard this.

'By Adventures, don't you mean war?'

Rey knew how dire the current situation was. More than ever, the threat of the Dragons weighed heavily on them.

'With the loss of the skilled Mages and Knights of the Alliance, I'm sure Lucielle and Brutus will be permanently stationed on the battlefield.'

That meant the students were largely on their own—with the exception of Ralyks.

'But, since I am Ralyks, it's essentially just us Otherworlders that will be in the Royal Dungeon.'

Rey wasn't sure how comfortable he would be when exploring Dungeon Floors with people around him.

He knew a lot of restrictions would have to be placed on his usual mode of operation.

'I can't run wild as I normally would.'

"Let's have some good news now. I can see you all have dreary faces, but it's not all thunderclouds and rain, I promise." Conrad's face slowly broke into an understanding smile.

"I just had to get the heavy stuff out of the way first."

The journey wasn't for the faint of heart, so it was better for those who only desired benefits to understand the dangers and horrors that currently waited them.

If they could see that, then the benefits would naturally come rolling in.

"First of all, there have been a lot of resources found on the 99th Floor of the Dungeon; enough to find the Alliance for a very long time."

Rey didn't know how that was good news for the students, but he decided to be patient and listen before jumping to conclusions.

"We plan on rewarding those who decided to rescue our Head Warrior here despite knowing the risks. Ten percent of the total rewards will be shared amongst you six."

Rey's jaws nearly dropped as soon as he heard those words.

'E-eh…?!'

"I know it is a mere token, but please accept our gifts.'

Rey looked at the bunch and expected them—or, at least, Adonis—to gracefully decline.

"Thank you for the reward. We will gratefully accept it."

As the Hero bowed slightly, he flashed his signature smile of sheer purity.

'Adonis, you bastard!' Rey nearly cried, and he didn't even really know the reason why.

'Aren't you supposed to be heroic and reject those benefits?'

Rey knew he was being unfair in his thoughts, but he didn't stop. Adonis probably already knew that the Alliance could afford to give such gifts as incentives to their saviors.

Plus, as a Hero representing the Otherworlders, he knew better than to simply be a doormat and get used.

Since the very first day, he shrewdly ensured that his classmates enjoyed the best luxuries while paying their dues to the Alliance.

In essence, Adonis had a balanced stance.

'Still… if I knew it was going to be like this, I would have just taken my share!'

How was it fair that he did talk the heavy lifting and his classmates reaped the rewards?

Was he being greedy? Yes!

Did he care? No!

As Rey was having these thoughts, Adonis' calm and gentle voice suddenly echoed out and stopped him in his tracks.

"I would like to suggest a little adjustment to the allocation; if you do not mind."

Conrad shook his head and gave Adonis the stage to continue.

"I would like all nine of us who remained to take nine percent of the rewards, while the remaining one percent should go to the families of those who died in battle."

As Adonis said this, Rey's heart instantly melted and all his selfish thoughts turned to dust.

'That's fair… I guess.'